MSI, HP and Alienware reveal Vive-Ready VR PCs

We have looked at Oculus PC hardware requirements and specifically designed PCs previously. But what about the other major contender, the HTC Vive VR system, as backed by Valve? In February HTC revealed that MSI, HP and Alienware would be the hardware partners producing Vive-Ready PCs. Just ahead of the weekend, all of these partners revealed their supporting lineup.

Yes, the above is very similar to the recommended PC hardware specification provided by Oculus for those who intend to venture into VR with its Rift headset system. Now let's have a look at the custom made systems by each party.

MSI

MSI has made a quintet of gaming laptops that boast the dual-honours of being 'Vive Optimised' and Nvidia 'GeForce GTX VR Ready'. Three of the models are variations upon the GT72 design, while another two are based upon the GT80. All of them sport powerful graphics cards; the GT72 models offer a GTX 980 "with desktop level performance" and the GT80, models both sport that same GPU in SLI configuration. Have a look at the dedicated MSI VR-Ready microsite for further details.

Lastly Alienware/Dell has produced a range of Alienware Vive Optimized desktops based upon its Area-51 Gaming Desktop chassis. This iconic chassis design is offered in four configurations. One of them actually appears to be under specced, with its AMD Radeon R9 370 with 4GB GDDR5, but still commands an asking price of $1,699.99. Other configurations are priced as high as $3,899.99.

Remember that if you choose one of the above approved systems, none of them includes the HTC Vive itself, for that you will have to stump up another $799 and wait until April.